Archive · 18 Sep 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Sales Draw Long Queues Across India
Apple started selling its newest iPhone 18 Pro models in India.
Many people waited outside Apple stores for hours or stayed overnight.
Some buyers travelled from other cities and states to collect their phones early.
One customer called the yearly launch a festival.
Other buyers said they wanted to test the new features before deciding whether the upgrade was worthwhile.
The phones have improved cameras, processors, performance and battery-related features.
They come in four colours, including a new burgundy option.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, while the larger Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale in India at 8 am on September 18, 2026.
Buyers queued overnight or arrived early at Apple stores in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities.
Some customers travelled from Punjab, Surat and Nashik to secure early pickup slots or be first to receive the phones.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900 in India.
The new Pro models feature a 48MP Fusion Main camera, A20 Pro chip, variable aperture, AI capabilities and a burgundy finish.
- Who
- Apple and customers buying the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- What
- The two new Pro iPhone models began general sales in India, prompting long queues and launch-day celebrations.
- When
- Friday, September 18, 2026; sales began at 8 am after pre-orders opened on September 12.
- Where
- Apple stores and retail outlets across India, including locations in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
- Why
- Customers wanted to be among the first buyers or upgrade for the phones' camera, processor, AI and performance features.
Launch Enthusiasm
Practical Upgrade Concerns
Importance of launch day
Launch Enthusiasm
Many buyers waited overnight or arrived before dawn because being among the first owners was exciting; one customer described the launch as a yearly festival.
Practical Upgrade Concerns
Some customers took a more measured approach, saying the phone would need to be used before its performance and changes could be judged.
Reasons to upgrade
Launch Enthusiasm
Customers upgrading from iPhone 13, iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone 17 models cited improved cameras, processors, AI capabilities and performance.
Practical Upgrade Concerns
The phones' high Indian prices led some buyers to focus on whether the new features justified replacing a relatively recent device.
- Models
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
- India sale date
- September 18, 2026
- Pre-orders
- Opened September 12, 2026
- Starting prices
- Rs 1,64,900 for iPhone 18 Pro; Rs 1,79,900 for iPhone 18 Pro Max
- Storage options
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB
- Key hardware
- 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, A20 Pro chip and a new vapour chamber
- Colours
- Black, silver, glacier and burgundy
- Store hours
- Physical Apple stores opened at 8 am and were scheduled to remain open until 10 pm on launch day
Sources
iPhone 18 Sale Begins In India: "It's Like A Festival For Me"
Buyers Queue Up as iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max Sale Begins in India
‘Want to be the first’: Apple fans queue up across India for iPhone 18 Pro launch
Apple fandom on display as iPhone 18 hits India stores; launch-day frenzy mark sales debut
